George Kittle Praises 49ers Rookie Running Back Kaelon Black

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, a veteran with nine seasons of experience in the league, has developed a keen eye for talent among draft classes. As a standout player on the team, Kittle is particularly adept at recognizing which rookies can make an immediate impact, those who need time to grow, and which may not pan out. In the case of the 49ers’ 2026 draft class, he is optimistic about one rookie who has faced some skepticism: third-round pick Kaelon Black, a running back from Indiana.

Kittle described Black as "very fast and very mature," emphasizing the advantages of having older rookies on the team. At 24 years old, Black's age allows for a smoother transition from college to the NFL. “I like old rookies because they're ready to play, and you don't have to go through that immaturity part of the start,” Kittle explained, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. He appreciates that seasoned players tend to grasp the urgency of the game more quickly, which makes a significant difference.

In his final year at Indiana, Black excelled, amassing 1,040 rushing yards and scoring 10 touchdowns on 186 carries during the Hoosiers' championship season. He will now vie for the backup running back position alongside Jordan James and Patrick Taylor, providing competition behind established starter Christian McCaffrey. The situation has become even more critical for Isaac Guerendo, whose roster spot is in jeopardy after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle, diminishing his chances of remaining on the team.